Masizame Children's Shelter Bus Appeal

Peter Adams, although a Briton, spends half his year in Plettenberg Bay on the picturesque Garden Route in South Africa, where he is a member of the local Rotary Club.  One of the club's projects is their support of the Masizame Children's Shelter in the local Kwanokuthula township, which includes not only financial assistance, but also direct in support in the form of building, plumbing and decorating work.  

Peter was our club speaker on January 12, when he reported on the work of the Shelter, in helping with abused children, unemployment and poverty.  Children , he added, were rejected and kicked out of homes because of the poverty or alcoholic dependency of their parents, and had to be found shelter elsewhere.

Masizame’s aim in a four-part programme was to look after how they eat, were sheltered, educated and counselled – parents as well as the children and siblings.  “We believe in putting children first, giving them a normal family life” said Peter. “At the moment we have 120 children, aged 3-17 for whom we are caring.  A massive task.”

Its first financial need is to replace their “rusty bucket” buses. “We have two”, he said.” One is almost unusable, the other needs  replacing (his screen scenario made the point). Toyota will supply if we raise the money – around 20,000. We get only minimal support – barely half - from the government and we are appealing to all District Rotary clubs to support us financially."

Members of Rotary Clubs in this District will know that this appeal has been made at District council and a number of clubs have pledged their support.  Billericay and seven other clubs having already donated 500 each, but much more is needed.

"It remains a major financial challenge", added Peter. "I would hope that, by the end of February, we will be able to meet our target with the help of Rotary”.

Club Member Peter Greene and his wife Wendy recently met Peter Adams at Plettenberg Bay and visited the Shelter to see the fantastic work which is being done to support these unwanted and horribly abused children. They were left in no doubt as to the desperate need for new buses to support the Shelter.

Despite the deprivation, they found a happy bright environment, colourfully decorated for Christmas.  The staff (mostly volunteers) are very dedicated.  The children, despite their horrific histories, were affectionate and happy and sang them two Christmas Songs.

Please click on the icon below to hear the children celebrating Christmas:

"It was a very sobering experience and a project well worth supporting" said Peter Greene after the visit.  "We should do everything we can to support this appeal".